Durres
From CruisersWiki
Durrës, Albania (Port of Entry)
 (Click links for more information)
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 | 41°18.3′N, 19°27.3′E |
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 | Photo gallery |
 | Local chartlet |
 The Harbour - click for larger view | |
Click for larger view
Overview
Durrës (Greek: Dyrrhachion - Δυρράχιον; Italian: Durazzo) is the ancient Greek colony Epidamnos which was later renamed by the Romans to Dyrr(h)achium. Today it is one of the largest and most important cities in Albania. It located in the Adriatic Sea, about 33 km west of Tirana. It has a population of about 202,000 inhabitants (as of 2009 estimate). The city was founded with the name of Epidamnos in 627 BC by colonists mostly from Corcyra (ancient name for Corfu) and a few from Corinth. The harbor of Durrea bares no relationship to the harbors of Sarandë and Vlorë. It is a large, modern, and safe harbor. Of course, the harbor was constructed under specifications to serve large passenger, cargo, and cruise ships. Also, in a section of the harbor there are large fishing boats, a kind of fish loading zone. The area surrounding the quay is fenced and is strictly guarded. Entrance to this area is restricted. Within this area are all the official buildings: Harbor Master, Customs, Police, Security, Fire Station, etc.
Moor where directed by your agent who will have been instructed by the Harbour Master. Yachts usually tie up near the western-most corner of the harbour (from the harbour entrance follow the quay on your port side about 700m to where it meets the quay running SW-NE).
Charts
See Albania.
Radio Nets
- Albanian Coast Guard - VHF 11
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Local Weather
See Albania.
Warning:There are shallow waters but there is a safe channel designated by buoys.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
You must use an agent to undertake the paperwork for entry and exit from ports in Albania. It is best if, before entering the harbor, especially if this is your first port into Albania, you have arranged an agent and communicated your ETA. One list of possible agents is shown on Noonsite.
The Italian Ministry of Finance patrols the Albanian coast looking for smugglers from a base in Durres Harbour and you may find yourself under surveillance by one of their boats.
As you approach the harbour call Durres Port Control on VHF channel 15. If you get no response then call on channel 16.
You should be met by your agent at the quay for a process of filling in a form. If you have selected the wrong agent then you may be asked to fill in endless forms by the officials.
It appears that at some stage in the past the use of the inflatable dinghy was forbidden while in the Albanian territorial waters, however that was not the case in 2013.
Prior to departing from the harbor your agent will communicate with the authorities and provide the departure permission. Expect to give your agent a day's notice of departure. If you select the wrong agent, you may be presented with a substantial bill. A standard charge is likely to be of the order of EUR50 for formalities and EUR10 per night for your stay in the harbour.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
The only marina in Albania is Oricum.
Yacht Repairs and Services
None.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
Click for larger view
- The Roman Amphitheater which is the largest in the Balkans is located in the city close to the harbor and is well worth a visit.
- Tirana, the capital city of Albania is about 40km from Durres and can be reached by bus, train or taxi.
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Grocery stores: Exit the port and turn right to go along the main street where you will find many grocery stores not far from the port. A large shopping centre is about 600m along the main street (look for the large building with a bright red curved roof).
- Fuel: A fuel station is located about 100m from the port exit, towards the main street.
- Other: There are many general supply stores along the main street (stationary, etc).
Eateries
There are many restaurants and fast food outlets (especially pizzarias) immediately outside the port and further afield.
Internet/WiFi
There is no WiFi in the area of the harbour where yachts are usually tied up. There are cafes with WiFi available close to the harbour.
Laundry
There is one laundry a few hundred metres from the harbour entrance along the main street. There may be others.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Garbage Disposal
Small skip bins are provided by the port authority within tens of metres of the yacht mooring quay.
Transportation
International transportation:
- Durres harbour is a major port for ferries to/from Italy.
- Tirana International Airport is 30km from Durres
Local:
- From Durres there are regular coaches and a train to Tirana (and other destinations). The Durres bus station and train station are co-located about 1.2km from the port entrances near the yacht mooring area.
41°19.0705′N, 19°27.221′E. 41.317842°N 19.453677°E.
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
- Wikipedia - Durrës
- Roman Amphitheater
- See also Albania
References & Publications
See Albania.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
- In May 2013 YACHTBILLABONG used Arben ('Ben') Minga (mobile +355 67 208 2061) as an agent. He was efficient and charged the fee we had expected (EUR50 plus EUR10 per night we were in the harbour). On arrival we were directed to the area just south of the north-west corner of the harbour. In this area the ship fenders in place are large truck tyres. There are large bollards at wide spacing, plus various bits of metal (mostly steel reinforcing rod and some chain usually attached to the old truck tyres) to which lines might be attached. Early the following morning we were asked to move at short notice as a ship was berthing where we were moored. We moved to the area just east of the north-western corner. Here there are the large, relatively new rubber fenders (about 2m wide, 1m high and 1m thick) at spacing of about 10m. Other than the large ship bollards there are few other line attachments. The harbour was quite dusty until rain settled that down.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- July 2007 FANEROMENI
- May 2013 YACHTBILLABONG
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Names: Lighthouse, FANEROMENI |
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | Ionian Sea | Albania | Durrës | |
